Field operations weekly report, 2009 March 22-28

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report March 22-28, 2009
This report is a broad sampling of events that have taken place in the past week, but does not include all actions taken by the Law Enforcement Section.

Region I- Calhoun (Northwest)
BARTOW COUNTY On March 29th, RFC Varnell and K-9 Rock dropped off two rangers on a hunting club, which was baited in Cherokee County. He then went to an area off of Allatoona Road adjacent to I-75 in Bartow County. RFC Young and RFC Hendrix had seen a vehicle there along with two hunters with shotguns earlier in the week and while on foot-patrol, located a blind and bait. They advised RFC Varnell of the location. RFC Varnell and Rock found a vehicle and tracked two hunters and found the men hunting turkeys over an area heavily baited with whole kernel corn. The men were a father and son team ages 50 and 80. They did not know whose property they were on, but stated they had hunted there for over 30 years. The two were charged with hunting big game over bait and warned for hunting without permission on the posted property.
CHEROKEE COUNTY On March 26th, Cpl. Chip Cox and Sgt. Mike Barr attended a Law Enforcement Award Dinner held at the VFW in Canton. Cpl. Chip Cox received an award as DNR's State Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for Cherokee County for his 22 years of active patrols on Lake Allatoona. Over 100 law enforcement personnel attended the event. Cpl. Cox received a plaque of appreciation recognizing his accomplishments.
On March 28th, RFC Bart Hendrix and Sgt. Mike Barr checked a baited turkey blind location on Highway 108 in Cherokee County. RFC Hendrix had located the area during the previous week while on foot patrol. While entering the woods just after daylight, RFC Hendrix heard someone calling turkeys. He came up behind two hunters who were sitting over the area, which was baited with whole kernel corn. They admitted putting the corn out for attracting turkeys. One of the hunters was hunting with an unplugged shotgun. RFC Hendrix and Sgt. Barr charged the two with hunting big game over bait and issued a warning for the unplugged shotgun.
COBB COUNTY On March 24th, Sgt. Mike Barr responded to an in-progress complaint of a group of fishermen fishing with bait in the delayed harvest trout area of the Chattahoochee River under the Interstate 285 Bridge. Upon arrival, the fishermen were gone; however, patrolling the area, Sgt. Barr witnessed two other men fishing above Sandy Point. While observing them with binoculars, Sgt. Barr witnessed the two catching and keeping fish. All fish must be returned to the water during the delayed harvest time. Sgt. Barr made contact with the two young men and discovered they did not have fishing licenses or trout licenses. The two had caught several small mouth bass and crappie. They stated they had fished the location a lot but had never obtained the required fishing licenses. Sgt. Barr issued warnings to each and instructed the two to purchase the required licenses.

FANNIN COUNTY On March 22nd, Ranger Cody Jones and Cpl. James Keener were patrolling the delayed harvest section of the Toccoa River. The officers encountered two men fishing with spring lizards and worms on the artificial only stream. One of the fishermen had caught and kept a fish. Ranger Jones and Cpl. Keener explained to the fishermen that this section of the Toccoa River is an artificial only stream and that it was a catch and release stream. The two men were issued a citation for illegal bait on an artificial stream and a written warning for possession of trout on a delayed harvest stream.
FULTON COUNTY On March 28th, Ranger James Psillis and R.F.C Brooks Varnell conducted an Information and Education Program at the 1st Baptist Church of Alpharetta. The two rangers ran the laser shot hunting simulator and answered general questions about hunting and fishing for approximately 300 people in attendance.
PAULDING COUNTY On March 22nd, RFC Chad Cox responded to a complaint of people fishing without permission on a private lake. RFC Cox was able to locate two subjects in a small boat bass fishing. They were both issued citations for fishing without permission.
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
DAWSON COUNTY On March 22nd, RFC Mitchell Crump was patrolling the Delayed Harvest Stream on Dawson Forest WMA. RFC Crump issued warnings to a non-resident for fishing without a fishing license or a trout license and fishing with illegal bait. RFC Crump also issued warnings to a subject for fishing without a license and fishing without a trout license. . DEKALB COUNTY On March 24th, Cpl. Eric Sander conducted an Online Hunter Education course at the Dekalb County Park and Recreation Department in Tucker. During this course a total of 9 students were certified in Hunter Education.
On March 24th, Cpl. Sanders took out an arrest warrant on a subject for unlawful dumping for commercial purpose. This is the same subject that dumped the $10,000 in Savings Bonds earlier this year that Cpl. Sanders has already issued citations too.
On March 25th, Cpl. Sanders hosted a TV Show on Rockdale Cable channel 23 on turkey hunting in Georgia.
On March 26th, Cpl. Sanders hosted a TV Show on Rockdale Cable channel 23 about Boating Safety in Georgia. The owner of B & B Marine, Bart Whitmire, co-hosted this episode with Cpl. Sanders.

GWINNETT COUNTY On March 22nd. RFC Mark Stephens and Sgt. Lee Brown patrolled along the Chattahoochee River at Medlock Bridge, Abbotts Bridge and Jones Bridge Park. Sgt. Brown and RFC Stephens issued five written citations and warnings for fishing without a license and fishing without a trout license. RFC Stephens and Sgt. Brown later that day responded to an in progress complaint off Beaver Ruin Road issuing one written citation for fishing without permission.
On March 27th, RFC Mark Stephens conducted an Online Hunter Education Course at the Bass Pro Shop in Lawrenceville. During this course a total of 21 students were certified in Hunter Education.
LAKE LANIER On March 22nd, Sgt. Lee Brown and RFC Mark Stephens patrolled Lake Sidney Lanier by vessel issuing five citations and warnings for operating a vessel without life jackets, operating a vessel without registration and operating a vessel without a fire extinguisher and throwable device.
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
WILKES COUNTY On March 26th, Corporal Julian Wilkins and RFC Phillip Nelson investigated a hunting from public road complaint in Wilkes County. The complainant said that he heard a shot in the filed next to his house and another subject saw a truck stopped at the field and the driver had a rifle stuck out the window. This incident is still under investigation.
COLUMBIA COUNTY On March 28-29th, Cpl. Ryan Swain, Cpl. Brian Hobbins, and RFC Robert Timmerman assisted with Public Relations Duty at the Paralyzed Veterans Association Fishing Tourney on Clarks Hill Lake at Wildwood Park.
RICHMOND COUNTY On March 31st, Cpl. Ben Payne participated in the annual Cooking for Kids Event. Sgt. Boswell, Cpl. Crawley, and Jeff Billips assisted with cooking and preparation of meals. Commissioner Joe Jackson of Richmond County cooked the meat entries. The event was a great success even with the rain. DNR Green and Grey cooking team won first place in the big game portion of the event. All proceeds from the event go to sponsor the Child Advocacy of Augusta. Last year over $36,000 was made at the event.
BURKE COUNTY On March 27th, Sergeant Max Boswell and RFC Jeffrey Billips responded to an in progress fishing without permission complaint on Thompson Bridge Road. The subject was issued a citation for fishing without permission and arrested for an outstanding Burke County warrant.

Region IV- Macon (West Central)
HARRIS COUNTY On March 28th, RFC Mitch Oliver went and interviewed a subject at his residence in reference to hunting turkeys over bait on March 21st. RFC Oliver had checked the bait on the evening of the 21st, but hadn't located anyone at the feeder. Later in the week he received a phone call from an individual stating that on the evening of the 21st, there was indeed someone hunting the bait and that he had hid when the officer approached. RFC Oliver was aware of who the hunter was that he was trying to catch, so he called him and set up an interview. During the interview, the hunter admitted to hunting on the evening of the 21st and that he was indeed hunting at the feeder or over bait, where the officer had checked. The confession was recorded and the hunter was issued a citation for hunting big game over bait.
FAYETTE COUNTY On Tuesday, March 24th, Sgt. Russell Ramsey and Ranger Adam Jacobs conducted a Wildlife Identification Class for a group of Cub Scouts at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fayette County. Ranger Adam Jacobs talked about the local wildlife while Sgt. Russell Ramsey entertained the group with his duck and turkey demonstrations. The group consisted of 45 Cub Scouts and 45 adults.
BALDWIN COUNTY On March 29th, RFC Chad Welch located a vehicle parked on the shoulder of Stallings Road. RFC Welch noticed two shotgun cases in the rear of the vehicle. RFC Welch heard two shots about 300 yards from the vehicle and went into the woods to locate the hunters. RFC Welch found two hunters, one with a bow and arrow and the other with a shotgun standing near a clearing in the woods with cracked corn nearby. RFC Welch also found both hunters to be in possession of marijuana. Both hunters were charged with hunting big game over bait and possession of marijuana and transported to the Baldwin Co. Jail.
PUTNAM COUNTY On March 29th, Cpl. Lynn "Bubba" Stanford and Wildlife Tech Fred Hays checked a hunting club next to B.F. Grant WMA, which was previously found to be baited. Cpl. Stanford located a hunter in a tree stand on a food plot that was baited. A second hunter was also located a short distance from the food plot into the woods. Both subjects were charged with hunting big game over bait. A GCIC check revealed that the hunter in the tree stand was a convicted felon and warrants were obtained for the hunter's arrest.

Region V- Albany (Southwest)
COLQUITT COUNTY On March 25th, RFC David Brady conducted an investigation into a turkey being shot without permission, and from a vehicle. Two men were eventually charged with hunting without permission, hunting from a vehicle and non-resident hunting without a license.
On March 28th, Sgt. David Ruddell, Cpl. Greg Moody, Cpl. Morty Wood, Cpl. Tommy Daughtrey, Park Superintendent Chet Powell, RFC Jon Penuel and RFC David Brady rescued a total of 21 people and 2 dogs from flooded homes in Colquitt County using DNR boats and equipment.
QUITMAN COUNTY On March 27th, Cpl. BJ Foster located two subjects hunting turkeys over bait. Citations were issued for hunting over bait, hunting without license and hunting without big game license. One hunter was warned for hunting with an unplugged gun.
CLAY COUNTY On March 27th, RFC Jim Atchley and technician Adam Dills checked crappie fishermen on Lake George. Two fishermen were found to be over the limit and in possession of 113 crappie. Citations were issued and the fish were confiscated and donated to charity.
QUITMAN COUNTY On March 28th, Cpl. Foster checked turkey hunters and issued two citations for hunting without a license and hunting without a big game license.
MACON COUNTY On March 26th, Cpl. John Harkins received a complaint of night deer hunting and dumping of deer carcasses near Marshallville. Cpl. Harkins conducted an investigation into the complaint and found both the individual who had shot the deer and the one responsible for dumping the carcasses. Citations were issued for night deer hunting and illegal dumping.
MILLER COUNTY On March 28th, Sgt. Rick Sellars and Cpl. Terri Jones assisted Miller and Early County Sheriff's Office with patrols of flooded roads and subdivisions due to heavy rains that saturated the area.

THOMAS COUNTY On March 23rd, following an in depth investigation, Sgt. David Ruddell apprehended two subjects for hunting turkeys without permission. Sgt. Ruddell encountered the men as he was conducting surveillance in an area where the two were reported to be hunting illegally. They were charged for hunting without permission and several license violations, including non-resident hunting without a license. Based upon information obtained in the investigation and interviews with the violators, additional charges are pending.
Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
APPLING COUNTY On March 29th, Ranger Altman worked a hunting w/o permission complaint and made contact with the subject who was hunting in the area, issuing him a citation for the violation.
IRWIN COUNTY On March 21st, RFC Joe Hilton and Sgt. David Reckley checked baited turkey areas. This patrol resulted in three hunters being checked. Two warnings were issued for hunting over bait and one case for over bait, one warning for unplugged shotgun, and one case for no license.
CLINCH COUNTY On March 25th, RFC Jason Shipes responded to a littering complaint on Hwy 187. RFC Shipes was able to locate information on a possible suspect responsible for dumping the trash. After a short interview, the subject admitted to dumping the items on the shoulder of the roadway and immediately responded to the area and properly disposed of the trash. The subject was issued a warning for the violation.
On March 28th, RFC Jason Shipes patrolled the area of Pineland Bridge for turkey hunting activity. RFC Shipes found an area that was heavily baited with corn. A vehicle was parked on the shoulder of the roadway near the baited area. Two hunters were located by RFC Shipes about a mile from the vehicle. They were not hunting over bait, however both were hunting with unplugged shotguns. One citation was issued for hunting with an unplugged shotgun to the adult and the juvenile was given verbal guidance for the same offense.
JEFF DAVIS COUNTY On March 22nd, RFC Barry Britt responded to a complaint of hunting without permission. It was determined that the two hunters did have permission. Later in the day RFC Britt worked a surveillance detail at a local boat landing.

On the mornings of March 25th-28th, RFC Barry Britt worked on a hunting without permission and a hunting big game over bait complaint on private property.
BULLOCH COUNTY On March 28th, Cpl. Dave Sims, Sgt. William Vickers, and Ranger Brandon Pierce responded to a complaint from a turkey hunter at Oliver WMA. The caller advised that subjects were parked in the WMA road and shooting firearms at a target near the main gate. The subjects left the area prior to the ranger's arrival.
On March 22nd, Cpl. Eddie Akins and Ranger Brandon Pierce patrolled the Ogeechee River from Steel Bridge to Shearhouse Landing. Their efforts resulted in two boats being checked and one violation being documented for operating a vessel without PFD's.
EFFINGHAM COUNTY On March 28th, Ranger Brandon Pierce and Sgt. William Vickers patrolled for turkey hunting activity. While the officers were on foot patrol, two turkey hunters were spotted walking along a woods road. Upon sighting the officers one of the hunters stepped off the road into the woods. When the officers reached the other hunter in the road he stated the second hunter went into the woods to continue his hunt. Sgt. Vickers went to the location where the hunter had left the road and after a brief search found him hiding in some brush. When asked why he was hiding the hunter admitted that he didn't have a hunting license. The hunter was a Florida resident and was charged with non-resident hunting without a license and non-resident hunting without a big game license.
EVANS COUNTY On March 28th, RFC Debbie Brannen and Fisheries Tech. Steve Mincey patrolled the Evans Public Fishing Area. Violations were documented for fishing without licenses and fishing without WMA licenses.
On March 29th, RFC Debbie Brannen and Cpl. David Sims checked fishing activity on the public fishing area. Violations were noted for fishing without licenses and fishing without a WMA license.
SCREVEN COUNTY On Saturday March 28th, Cpl. Shaymus Mcneely checked turkey blinds baited with corn for turkey hunting activity. No hunters were encountered.
On March 29th, Cpl. Shaymus McNeely, Sgt. William Vickers, and Ranger Brandon Pierce worked turkey hunting activity on Tuckahoe WMA. Officers also worked boating and fishing activity at Savannah River landings at Miller Lake, Poor Robin, and Blue Springs. Citations were issued for operating a vessel without lights during hours of darkness, operating vessel with unserviceable PFD's and operating a vessel without a fire extinguisher.

EMANUEL COUNTY During the week, RFC Jamey O'Brien responded to a call of a possible out-of-season duck shoot near Twin City. No activity was found at the location in question.
On March 21st, RFC Jamey O'Brien patrolled the county and checked a known baited area for turkey hunting activity. Two subjects were found on the property hunting over the baited area and both were charged with hunting big game over bait.
On March 22nd, RFC Jamey O'Brien patrolled and checked a known baited area for turkey hunting activity; two subjects were found hunting over the baited area and both were charged with hunting big game over bait. One of the subjects had harvested a turkey and he was also charged with possession of illegally taken wildlife and the turkey was confiscated. The subjects had video taped the hunt and the videotape was held for evidence until a later date.
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
BRYAN COUNTY On March 25th, Cpl. Cindy Miller received a call from the Environmental Protection Division requesting assistance with a subject dumping tires. Cpl. Miller responded to the area in North Bryan and talked with two subjects. The two subjects were both cited for unlawful dumping of commercial waste.
On March 28th, Cpl. Cindy Miller patrolled hunting clubs looking for turkey hunters. Cpl. Miller checked a turkey hunter and the subject was hunting over bait. The subject was cited for hunting turkeys over bait.
CHATHAM COUNTY On March 22nd, Ranger Justin Heyward, Ranger Buster Cooper, Corporal Bill Bryson along with Sergeant Tim Vincent confiscated twenty-six commercial crab traps from the South Channel of the Savannah River. The traps belonged to two local commercial crabbers who failed to mark their crab traps. Both crabbers were cited with failure to mark crab floats and traps.
MCINTOSH COUNTY On March 22nd, Cpl. Finn and Ranger Fuller checked several turkey hunters at Buffalo Swamp WMA. Ranger Fuller cited one subject for hunting without a license, and another for hunting with an improperly plugged shotgun.
On March 28th, Sgt. Harwell, Cpl. Finn and Ranger Fuller patrolled the Darien waterfront for the annual Blessing of the Fleet. Cpl. Finn cited one subject for the 100ft law.

BRANTLEY COUNTY On March 25th, Cpl. Billy Reed was patrolling for turkey hunters in the Rabun Rock area when he observed fresh tire tracks going into a hunting club. Following the tracks, he located a truck and waited for the hunter. One and half hours later the hunter returned. Cpl. Reed checked his license and shotgun. The hunter was cited for non-resident hunting without a license and hunting with an unplugged gun.
On March 26th, Cpl. Billy Reed was patrolling the Lulaion area. He located two turkey hunters. One of the hunters was cited for hunting with an unplugged shotgun.
WAYNE COUNTY On March 28th, Cpl. Bobby White and RFC Craig Smith attended a safe kids event taking pictures, finger prints and oral impressions of children designed to help find the child if ever lost or abducted. The event took place at Jesup Methodist Church.